https://caseydsibley.com/blogs/cds-a-d-happy-life-blog.atomCasey D. Sibley Art + Design - CDS A+D Happy Life Blog2018-01-03T07:19:00-08:00Casey D. Sibley Art + Designhttps://caseydsibley.com/blogs/cds-a-d-happy-life-blog/2017-in-review-what-im-planning-for-20182018-01-03T07:19:00-08:002018-01-03T07:19:58-08:002017 in review + What I'm planning for 2018Casey Sibley
I'm going to call 2017 "The Year of Challenges That Pushed Me Closer to My Purpose". It kinda felt like a really tough year in general. I'm still here, still pluggin' away. But I definitely had a few moments where I re-evaluated a lot of things I am doing as a creative business owner, in a way that forced me to think really hard about what I really want to be doing with my career. So, the other day, I made a list in Evernote titled: What would it look like if it was easy and fun?

Here's what I came up with.

1. Make more art.

I've already started to incorporate more art making with my #cds100daychallenge project. Since starting it, I've felt more energized and excited about my work and the possibilities. I had to rebel a bit from the urge to make my Instagram grid cohesive, because I realized that I was letting all of the Instagram marketers tell me what to post for optimal follower engagement and I wasn't posting or sharing (or hell, even really making) anything that didn't fit the grid even if I liked it. I do believe there is value in editing, but as a designer who is still developing a style that I am happy with, I need to allow myself to make stuff that doesn't always fit the mold.

2. License my art for products and publications, and take on more design jobs.

This one is big, y'all. I've been saying for YEARS that I wanted to license my work (meaning that I sell it to other companies to use for their products). This may come as a surprise since my entire product line is sewn goods, but I really do not enjoy sitting in front of a sewing machine for hours on end. I really, really enjoy making art. Making patterns. That's the most fun part about what I do, and sometimes I get so caught up in production (and I am so grateful to be busy!) that I don't have time to be creative. So anyway, this year I am making a very focused effort to build a portfolio for art licensing and design jobs for clients.

3. Streamline and automate my product business as much as possible. And stop sewing things. Be a Designer.

I have a seamstress. She is amazing. I have to get on a better production schedule and stop sewing so many things myself at the last minute. I also have people to help me with wholesale outreach who are also amazing. I'm getting better at this, but giving up control of all the little bits and pieces of running a business is hard. Not because I don't trust people, but because I am so freaking last minute on so many things and feel bad dumping last minute need-it-yesterday requests on people who help me. So I want to carry more in-stock items and less made-to-order, and have a system in place for outreach and marketing that takes those things off of my plate (have you checked out the Ready to Ship section yet?) :).

4. Inspire and empower others through creativity.

This is another big one for me. I've always felt a strong desire to let people know what is possible with their creativity. Sounds vague. I know. But, I started a business with mine! I am paying bills with mine! As hard as it can be sometimes, it is the most empowering thing I have ever done and if there is a way to reach people (who maybe feel like I did when I was in jobs I hated) then I just want to let them know what's possible. Maybe it's through teaching in person, or creating some digital courses around creative projects (that some of you have been asking for). I'm still working that out, but my experiences with teaching have been really positive.

5. STOP LETTING OTHERS TELL YOU WHAT YOU SHOULD DO OR WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE.

Ok, another biggie. I have major online marketer fatigue. MA-JOR. And just fatigue in general around everyone telling me how to be a millionaire (or how to WANT to be a millionaire). Can we all just go ahead and agree that being a millionaire would probably be pretty great. Ok?

Here's the thing: I was getting loads of advice from all angles about what types of products I should make and how to make more money. And most of the advice, while well-intentioned, was out of alignment with the types of things I want to be doing. Yes, I want to make lots of money (seriously, duh). I also want to have total control over my time and be creative. I kinda already have this and it's seriously the best, even on days when I am stressed. I was feeling loads of resistance around some of the un-fun things I was doing in my business because I realized how much more of my time I would have to devote to them to make them million-dollar-makers. But on the flip side, it made me realize that there were things I was doing that I didn't like...and that there were things I really wanted that I wasn't pursuing because I was busy doing things I didn't like to try to make more money. Hence, the drafting of this list. Oh, and I've decided that in order to be happy with what I put out into the world, I have to remember that I am a Purpose-Driven Business.

So, 2018 feels like a fresh start (that's what I love about a new year)! I'll be spending more of my time focused on doing things that I love and streamlining or outsourcing things that aren't my fave to people that do them really well. And all of that means that I'll be able to give more of my best to all of you! Sounds like a win/win!

Thank you for reading and following along!

Casey

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https://caseydsibley.com/blogs/cds-a-d-happy-life-blog/my-30-day-challenge-recap-what-comes-next2017-12-01T15:25:00-08:002017-12-01T15:55:48-08:00My 30 Day Challenge Recap + What Comes NextCasey Sibley
This past October, I decided that I needed to give myself a creative challenge and spend the month of November exploring new pattern ideas. I had tried similar challenges in the past, but none of them really stuck. This one was different, though. And I enjoyed it so much, that I have decided to extend the challenge to a 100 day challenge. Check it out on Instagram!

I think, ultimately, I am ready for a shift in the work that I do. I'll share more as that develops, but mostly that means that I want to focus more on creativity and spend less of my time sitting in front of a sewing machine (which is totally possible!).

When I started selling my work six years ago, I felt this pressure to justify my art by putting it on functional products. And while I love and am so proud of the product line I have created (and so appreciate you all buying it and showing it off!), I have so many ideas trying to burst out of me and I don't know what product to turn them into.

And maybe that means I need to simply create the art and not try to force it to be something else just yet.

Speaking of not forcing things...

Yesterday was one of those days where several creative and general life frustrations came to a head, leaving me feeling, honestly, really angry (and it was actually the first time I can ever remember feeling furious about my creative journey, I am somewhat ashamed to say). I'm usually able to stay relatively positive and see a silver lining to nearly every cloud in life. Something just snapped inside of me. It was maybe the first time that I actually believed all the negative people that say things like "Life is hard, it's just the way it is!". Between the financial challenges and periodic burnout of being a business owner, to the overwhelming and constant barrage of political and social bad news (I was on a roll!), I just wanted to scream or smash plates on the floor or insert-something-else-destructively-satisfying.

But I had work to do...I had to make a trip to Joann Fabrics. And I was NOT looking forward to it. The whole drive there, I was seething. I took a few deep breaths before heading into the store, and when I walked in it was PACKED...and they were understaffed. Great. I made my way back to the fabric section, pulled a ticket to hold my place in line, and grabbed a couple of bolts of fabric. As I stood there, trying to not be in anyone's way or make eye contact, this little girl of maybe 6 or 7 years old peeked her head around the aisle end cap, looked me right in the eye, and said in a very cool and matter of fact tone:

"Hey. Are you okay?"

I was stunned. I quickly said (with a forced smile), "yes, I am okay!" and nearly burst into tears. This child picked up on something and reached straight through my prickly imaginary armor to make a connection. Then, she and her younger sister went on to make everyone at the cut counter laugh at their hysterical excitement over collecting discarded ticket numbers off the floor of the store.

My mom, after hearing the story, was convinced that the little girl was an angel. If not an angel, she was certainly gifted with an intuitive sense that snapped me out of my self-loathing. My mom, by the way, still believes in me. So that helps, too!

Later that day, I was having a conversation with a fellow Virgo about letting go of the urge to control the "how" of all of our creative and professional and personal life desires. Sometimes I cling so tightly to that control that I stifle the outcome. A lot of that comes from the pressure to make money, because I am afraid that if I give up the control that things will eventually spiral out of my control altogether and I'll be penniless. But when I'm pursuing opportunities based on the money and not on how I want to feel about the work I do, I have major flare-ups of resistance and complete burnout. It's a constant challenge to meet my own creative needs, while battling the urge to fit society's rigid ideals around success, especially in a digital age when examples of "success" are pushed in our faces daily. I won't go into the intricacies of what success looks like for me today, but I do believe it looks a bit different for every individual (in a nutshell, I'd like to take a few spontaneous vacations a year, buy myself a nice outfit without thinking twice about the cost of it, and be the type of adult the never runs out of toilet paper).

So swinging back around to the positive effects of my 30 day challenge, I have been feeling some combination of liberated to follow my creative instincts more religiously...and frustrated at the realization that my desire for a slight pivot in my work will require lots of, well, work.

I hope you'll continue to follow along as I explore more painting and drawing on Instagram! Thanks for reading, and have a beautiful weekend, friends!

- Casey

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https://caseydsibley.com/blogs/cds-a-d-happy-life-blog/the-what-do-you-put-in-these-gift-guide2017-11-20T07:42:00-08:002017-11-20T07:45:23-08:00The "What do you put in these?" Gift Guide!Casey Sibley
One of the frequent questions I get about our fabric buckets is "what do you use these for?". My answer: whatever you can fit in them! But, for reals...these little guys are perfect for so many things, and just happen to also make great gift baskets!

In the spirit of conscious giving this holiday season, I thought I'd give you a few gift bundle ideas featuring a couple of my fave local small businesses and products. Use CDS buckets and pouches as eco-friendly wrapping that your giftee can use again and again!

Fun fact: small businesses provide over 65% of the jobs in our economy and spur the most economic growth. By supporting small and local businesses, you are supporting your local economy! Pantry Products (shown below) posted an awesome list of reasons to support small and local businesses the other day. Check it out here! And see below for links to all the goods ;)

P.S. Don't miss our Black Friday Cyber Monday Weekend Sale! Sign up to our mailing list for all the details later this week (link to sign up at the bottom of the site).

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https://caseydsibley.com/blogs/cds-a-d-happy-life-blog/creative-inspiration-my-30-day-pattern-challenge2017-10-25T10:44:00-07:002017-10-25T10:50:30-07:00Creative Inspiration: My 30-Day Pattern ChallengeCasey Sibley
As a designer and a business owner, I'm constantly brainstorming ideas to improve my skillset and grow my livelihood. It's so easy to get into a creative rut, or even completely lose focus on the creative aspects of what I do by obsessing over the more serious "business-y" things. When that happens, in all honesty, my business suffers. At the end of the day, my real job is to focus on why I do all of this in the first place. And my WHY is all about leading a creative life and sharing the joy of that with others.

During an emotional chat with a business mentor several weeks ago, I revealed how stressed I was about all the business-related aspects of my day to day. She demanded that I stop worrying so much and focus on the parts that bring me joy...to have fun and play in the creative parts of my work, because THAT'S where my strength is and the rest will flow more easily once I let go a little.

As nervous as I was to take any focus off of my marketing and numbers and...ugh...social media, I went home that day and allowed myself to sink into my creative flow. I stopped trying to control everything and things really DID flow more easily. I've since finished a new fall collection and seen a major uptick in sales after a pretty dismal summer.

For months, I felt my creativity being crushed by todos. But lately, I've felt so excited and inspired to create MORE. I've decided to release new collections more regularly. And in an effort to keep myself on my creative toes, I'm starting a new personal design challenge for the month of November.

30 Days of Pattern Studies:

I've watched other designers, like Juliet Meeks, Lisa Congdon, and Amy Blackwell, execute similar challenges and have loved watching their style evolve and mature over time. I'm hoping this challenge will help me further develop my own style and give me a broader base of artwork to use for future collections. The photo above is a representation of what I'll be sharing--this was my warmup!

The (self-imposed) Rules:

1. Create/share a new pattern study every day for 30 days on Instagram, starting November 1. I'll probably also do a weekly roundup here. Sign up for my newsletter for weekly updates. :)

2. Work small--each piece is required to be no larger than a postcard (I'm using this 4x6 watercolor pad to start). If I want to go larger, I absolutely can. But small is manageable and feels less daunting!

3. Stick to a similar medium for each drawing/painting. I'll be primarily using Uni PoscaPaint Pens and Molotow Paint Pens. I recently discovered these and love working with them. I also love their opaque quality, saturated colors, and layering ability.

4. This is a "should-less" exercise, which means that I create whatever I want, even if the subject matter or style is different than what I usually create. I'm also letting go of keeping my Instagram grid cohesive (because, for crying out loud, Instagram has become so freaking sterile!). The purpose of this exercise is to create and share my progress with you, and maybe discover something new in my work.

I'd also like to invite you to join me in this challenge if you are feeling the need to recharge your creative batteries! You can create your own rules or follow mine. And if you join in, share your work on Instagram and tag it with #cds30daychallenge.

Inspired by sage, eucalyptus, and crisp fall days, thePhilosophycollection features the signature Casey D. Sibley hand-rendered style. For the new patterns, I chose traditional fall colors paired with cool tones for a happy contrast and cozy feel.

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Designing new patterns is one of my FAVORITE things to do as a creative business owner. I've always had a "thing" for pattern-making (I used to draw elaborate collages of patterns and animals in my grade school days for my friends).

I have so. many. ideas. for new patterns on a regular basis, so in an effort to keep myself somewhat organized (and keep everyone else in the loop), I'll be releasing new collections every quarter. Woohooo! The next collection release is schedule for early February, 2018.

Inspired by sage, eucalyptus, and crisp fall days, the Philosophy collection features the signature Casey D. Sibley hand-rendered style. For the new patterns, I chose traditional fall colors paired with cool tones for a happy contrast and cozy feel.

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https://caseydsibley.com/blogs/cds-a-d-happy-life-blog/new-product-handmade-rope-coil-bowls2017-05-14T09:17:00-07:002017-10-20T08:47:57-07:00Get Creative: Handmade Cotton Rope Coil BowlsCasey Sibley
During one of my late night Pinterest binges, I came across a tutorial for rope bowls. Basically, you take cotton rope and wind it around and around while zig-zag stitching it on the sewing machine to create a soft, yet sturdy, bowl.

I was so inspired that I immediately ordered several different rope thicknesses and started my own project within a few days. These bowls turned out beautiful! Absolutely beautiful. They look great in their natural off-white simplicity, but I had to add a little happy colored thread to give them the signature CDS A+D vibe. I also painted the bottom of a couple of them for a color-blocked aesthetic.

If you've ever been curious about how I design the patterns for our products, today is your lucky day!

I've been a self-proclaimed artist since early childhood. I've always loved to draw and paint and make things with my hands, so it seems natural that I would have started a creative business--admittedly after a winding path through a different creative career as an architect.

Several years back, I figured out how to have my artwork printed onto textiles and became obsessed with creating fabric collections. I still am! All of the printed fabrics we currently carry are digitally printed by a company called Spoonflower that offers on-demand textile printing (occasionally we source fabrics from other printers, but so far Spoonflower is the most predictable and consistent product and we love their eco-friendly practices)!

Let's get started!

Conceptualizing and painting the artwork

I always start new projects with a spark of inspiration around a color palette or motif (usually something abstract or floral). I usually limit myself to two or three colors in the beginning to keep things simple. I'll spend a little time each day over the course of a couple of weeks loosely and quickly getting my ideas onto canvas or paper with gouache and acrylic paints. I also pepper in pen and ink sketches from time to time, but painting feels the most fluid for me. I like to keep it low-pressure in the start--it's so easy to put too much expectation on the work and end up disappointed. Most of the time, the work evolves into something I hadn't quite expected, but end up falling in love with.

Finalizing the design

When I'm painting, certain pieces emerge that make me feel like "This is it!", so I'll continue to develop those pieces. By then, the composition starts to come together and I start painting the pieces that I'll eventually manipulate digitally to create a repeating pattern. I like to sit with the designs for a bit, so I'll pin them on my inspiration board in my studio so I can see them everyday and visualize how they will look on product. I also like to see them with the other colors and patterns in my collections so I can try to keep the collection cohesive as I add new designs.

Digitizing the design and creating the pattern

Once I have a composition that I am starting to love, I'll photograph the individual paintings with my DSLR camera (I like this method much better than scanning the images). I'll open the artwork in Adobe Photoshop to do any color correcting and erase blemishes, then I'll bring the image into Adobe Illustrator to convert the artwork to a vector file. This allows me to change the scale of the work without losing any of the image quality. Click here to see a quick video of that process!

I'll separate each of the composition elements and start rearranging everything in a way that allows for a more seamless repeating pattern.

Illustrator has an amazing pattern-making tool that allows me to quickly create a repeating pattern file. I can alternate between the pattern tool and manual repositioning of elements until I get a clean, seamless repeating pattern.

Testing the pattern

﻿Back in Photoshop, I'll create an extra large blank canvas file that I will repeat the pattern tile in several times to make sure that the edges line up properly and that nothing weird is happening with the file.

I'll also do product mockups in Photoshop. I have "blank" product images (mockups of each product with blank canvas) that I can overlay patterns on to see how they will look in real life. I also use this process to determine the best scale of the pattern.

Creating the fabric (yay!)

Now that I am happy with the pattern file, it's time to have samples printed. I upload the pattern to Spoonflower and pick my base fabric. I'll usually order a yard or a fat quarter--something large enough to create samples of the products.

It takes anywhere from a few days to a week and a half to get the fabric samples in and I inspect everything closely to make sure the colors are what I envisioned and the pattern lines up properly (if the pattern is not properly created, there can be faint lines where the edges line up). If I need to make changes, I'll head back over to Photoshop to update the file. If all looks good, I'll place a larger fabric order and start making the goods!

Shop this pattern on our products!

Click images to be taken to the listings:

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https://caseydsibley.com/blogs/cds-a-d-happy-life-blog/going-green-for-spring-healthy-and-eco-friendly-gift-ideas2017-03-20T07:49:00-07:002017-03-21T07:08:00-07:00Going Green for Spring: Healthy and Eco-Friendly Gift IdeasAnna Critchley
So, it's official. Spring has sprung! Makes you wanna get out and enjoy the beautiful weather with the special people in your life, amIright? Unless you just need some outdoor alone time, in which case, we've totally been there.

Either way, we've got a healthy handful of products and spring outing ideas for you here. Keep reading for some of our favorite products that fit into the eco-friendly, organic, and/or healthy categories to jump start your spring adventures.

P.S. you can also learn more about how we strive to create ecologically and socially responsible products on our About Page.

CDS Art + Design is lucky to have a pretty amazing list of retailers. It’s time we highlight their awesomeness with a little Q + A. And if they happen to be in your neck of the woods, give them a visit next time you’re nearby!

Adorn Cape Cod is a sweet little shop in, you guessed it, Cape Cod! It is run by mother and daughter duo Jenny Joy and Molly. Adorn features US-based independent designers and makers.

Q: How did Adorn Cape Cod come to be?

A: In the Fall of 2014, we were both in the prefect position to do something new. I had just moved back to the Cape Cod from living away for a bit and Jenny was ready to quiet down on her decorative painting business. Over the years we had thrown around the idea of opening a shop together so it had always been in the back of our minds, and that Fall we started revisiting the idea. A shop would give us both the creative outlet we needed. One day, out of curiosity, we checked out a vacant building in East Orleans and it was really the perfect space for us. Once we had the space in mind, we did some planning – months of planning that is, as to what direction we wanted to take our space– and Adorn was born. We opened Adorn in May 2015.

Q: What is the best part of running a business with your mother/daughter?

A: I think we would both agree that we could not run this business alone. Working together has been so great because we level each other out and we each have our own strong suits, so we make a really great team. It’s also really fun to work together! Like most mothers and daughters we occasionally bicker about something, but we get over it pretty quick!

A: Jenny and I both love bold colors and prints which you will notice as soon as you walk into the store. When we came across Casey’s designs on etsy wholesale we immediately fell in love with her use of color and the unique designs she was creating for her fabric…we had to have them for Adorn! We have had Casey’s products since we opened and they are one of our big sellers. We love that Casey creates new prints all the time, it keeps the product interesting and unique. We love being able to tell customers that not only does she design and create these hand sewn goods, she even designs the fabric!

Q: Since you live so close to the ocean, how do you bring that beachy feeling into the shop?

A: We try to create a rustic modern nautical feel in the shop without being to overly “beachy”. The bright sea foam and teal colored walls in the shop definitely give it that beach vibe but without overdoing it. Throughout the shop there are interesting beach finds that we've collected over the years…like Old oars, glass fishing floats and driftwood that help create a really unique vibe that customers love. We are always changing up the shops design and layout. It’s one of the really fun parts of owning the store.

Q: Do you have any gifting tips for that hard-to-buy-for friend or family member?

A: We always say ‘think outside the box’, find something that they might not think to buy for themselves and try to surprise them! Shopping for others should be fun so try not to stress… and if you need help finding that perfect gift, just ask! We love when customers come to us for advice for gifts!]]>
https://caseydsibley.com/blogs/cds-a-d-happy-life-blog/hostess-gift-guide2016-12-14T08:00:00-08:002016-12-14T10:32:29-08:00Hostess Gift GuideAnna Critchley

We are quickly approaching C-day… do you have your hostess gift ready? No? Well then, consider it a sign that your eyes found this post! Here we have a collection of ideas for what to get the host of your holiday festivities.

Start with our crowd-pleasing CDS fabric bucket in one of four sizes (4 in. to 14 in. tall) and any of our happy colors or patterns. All buckets are currently buy one, get one 50% off! Next, add a plant, some chocolate and wine, or cheese with cutting board and knives. No wrapping required! Plus, you’ll be the hostesses-pet in no time at all!

It’s that time of year again, time to start checking things off your holiday shopping list. Do not fret! Instead check out our holiday gift guide featuring the CDS Travel Pouch.

Everyone knows someone who travels frequently- in fact, many of us know more than one. So why not give them something they can put to use? Something practical, stylish and thoughtful! Here are three ideas to help get your wheels turning on the perfect gift that screams Sarah or Tom or [insert your loved one's name here].

The CDS Travel Pouch provides a lovely foundation for any travel kit you might create. Hand-crafted with thick cotton and waxed canvas exteriors, water resistant nylon lining and YKK zippers, these pouches are of the sort of quality that will stand the test of time and travel. And maybe even time-travel? Who knows!